By Keyanna Harper
- Statistics show that around 40% of Black American households lack high-speed, fixed broadband, compared to only 28% of White American households
- Broadband access is vital for job opportunities, healthcare, and public benefits. Without it, access to these necessities is limited, risking being left behind
America’s digital divide is a complex issue with a disproportionate impact on Black Americans. statistics show that around 40% of Black American households lack high-speed, fixed broadband, compared to only 28% of White American households. The lack of broadband access has significantly hindered progress in many aspects of life, from education to healthcare and even job opportunities.
Why This Matters: The absence of diversity in the tech industry contributes to the income and wealth disparities among different racial groups, according to McKinsey & Company. With median salaries for tech jobs more than twice that of all other occupations, and a projected growth rate of 13% for digital and IT jobs by 2030, 1.7 times the overall job growth rate, this underrepresentation perpetuates economic inequality.
Lower levels of digital readiness are both a consequence and an ongoing driver of significant gaps with Black American representation in jobs that require digital skill sets. CultureBanx reports low-income areas receive slower internet speeds for the same price as wealthier neighborhoods, further entrenching the digital divide. Rural Black Americans across ten southern states are almost twice as likely to lack home internet access than white Americans, amplifying “structural racism,” according to the Global Citizen.
Situational Awareness: The Black digital divide in America is a crucial issue at the intersection of business and culture. It has long-lasting impacts on inequalities in society. As companies work to bridge the gap and provide affordable internet access, we can hope for a future where the digital divide is no longer a barrier to progress.
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